We are judged by our looks. First impressions are extremely important – especially in the professional world. The first visual impression a potential employer has of you is during your job interview. This is why I recommend that you always dress in professional, more traditional attire for a job interview – regardless of the position. In my opinion it is better to be over-dressed than under-dressed. In general, the candidate dressed in a suit is going to make a much better impression than the candidate dressed in jeans or a sundress. Once hired you can dress more casually if the company culture allows it.
General interview attire rule of thumb:
• Suit – solid, dark (black, navy blue, or dark gray)
• Conservative jewelry
• Limited to no cologne, perfume, body spray, or after shave
• Knee length skirts for women
• Light make-up
• Collared shirt for men
• Coordinated blouse for women (no cleavage)
• Conservative dress shoes (no open toes for women and no athletic shoes)
• Neutral/natural pantyhose for women
It is extremely important to research a company before your interview. An applicant for a corporate job or a position in a more conservative company should stick with traditional dark suits. If you are interviewing for a more creative position or for a job in a less conservative company you can add more style and color. If you are applying for a less professional position such as a cashier in an athletic shoe store I recommend business casual – khakis and a solid polo shirt or button-up over jeans and a t-shirt.
ASK Nicki Q&A Call
Ask Nicki how to Get Packaged For Success. Your career questions will be answered during my LIVE monthly FREE 30 minute group Q&A on the 4th Tuesday of each month from 9:00pm – 9:30pm. (This is a “round robin” format. Questions are taken on a first come first served basis. Call in early to increase the likelihood that your question will be answered.) Register HERE.
Nicki Sanders, The Packaged For Success Coach, is an experienced trainer, group facilitator, and program manager. She has packaged her Masters of Social Work degree and over 15 years of work experience into Packaged For Success, a training and professional development company. Packaged For Success provides career coaching to college students, entry-level job hunters, and experienced employees seeking a promotion. Packaged For Success also offers communication and productivity improvement training for employees and supervisors and provides consultation on building sustainable, impactful, socially responsible community programs.
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